Donald H. White, 95, passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 4, 2016. He was born in Narberth, Pennsylvania on February 28, 1921 to Howard and Leona White. Following graduation from Temple University in 1942 with a Bachelors of Science in Music Education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served as a navigator on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force in World War II. He flew 19 combat missions over Europe and was shot down over the Pas de Calais area on March 26, 1944. He was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in Stalag Luft III for the final 13 months of the war, being liberated in April 1945 by Patton's Third Army. He was honorably discharged from active duty in December 1945. Following his discharge from the service, he pursued graduate studies in music, receiving a Master's Degree (1947) and PhD (1952) in Music Composition from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. His major teachers in composition included Vincent Persichetti, Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson. His compositions included major works in a variety of media, with special emphasis in works for winds and percussion. His compositions have been widely performed throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. Notable compositions include his Lyric Suite for Euphonium, Sonata for Trombone, Tetra Ergon for Bass Trombone, Miniature Set for Band and Ambrosian Hymn Variants.
He was on the music faculty of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana from 1947-1981, serving as the director of the school of music from 1974-78. He then was chairman of the music department at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington from 1981 until his retirement in 1990. He was beloved by his students and colleagues.
He was married to his wife, Rosalie Allison White, from 1948 until her death in 2001. He is survived by his three daughters: Phyllis W. Cook of Louisville, Colorado (and her husband, Jim and son, Scott); Barbara W. Bryan of Greencastle, Indiana (and her husband, Alan, and sons, Patrick and Paul); and Jeanne W. LaBarbera of Colorado Springs (and her husband, Ray). They will remember him as a loving and caring father and for his passion for music.
Donations in memoriam may be made to: the Donald H. White Composition Scholarship Fund at the Eastman School of Music, Advancement Office, 26 Gibbs St., Rochester, NY 14604.